The live-action adaptation of Gundam, long in development, is becoming a reality, and Sydney Sweeney is one of the biggest stars to be linked to the adaptations. Best known for her performances in Euphoria and The Housemaid, Sweeney has officially joined the cast of Netflix’s ambitious adaptation of the iconic Japanese franchise.
Over the years, fans have been left in wonder whether Hollywood could manage to give the world of Gundam life. The anime has been characterized by giant robots, emotional war stories and profound political themes. It is not that easy to make that a live-action film. Nonetheless, recent developments imply that Netflix is making earnest attempts to ensure that this project can feel big and stay true to the original series spirit.
Other members of the cast include Noah Centineo, popular following his appearance in To All the Boys Ive Loved Before, and Jason Isaacs, who is known as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. Jackson White, Shioli Kutsuna, Nonso Anozie, Michael Mando, Javon Walton, Oleksandr Rudynskyi, Ida Brooke and Gemma Chua-Tran are other actors involved in the project.
Netflix has termed the story to be an original adventure that takes place in a protracted conflict between the Earth and its colonies in space. Rather than outright retelling a single storyline of anime, the film seems to be making its own story within the bigger Gundam world. That might be a clever idea, as Gundam has decades of history, numerous timelines, and hundreds of characters. It would be next to impossible to squeeze all that into a single movie.
The official synopsis of the film is, “With allegiances shifting, and a threat looming over them, causing them to collide with each other, they are drawn into a high-stakes space race that may determine the future of humanity. With awe-inspiring action, human emotion, and an epic scale, this is Gundam in a way never before seen. Such a description indicates that the film will not be purely action-oriented, but one that will also concentrate on the feelings of the characters. That is one of the greatest strengths of Gundam that has never been neglected.
The original Gundam plot was initiated in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam which was produced by Yoshiyuki Tomino. It transformed the anime business at that time with the more realistic treatment of giant robot tales. The previous robot programs usually concentrated on the basic good-vs. evil fights. Gundam was unique as it dealt with war and politics, loss and price of violence. The giant robots (called mobile suits) turned into a symbol of military strength instead of magic machines.
Gundam became one of the most successful entertainment properties in Japan over the years. It branched out into TV series, movies, manga, novels, video games, and toys. Anime culture in the world became very popular with the legendary Gundam model kits known as Gunpla. Those who have never watched the series tend to know the picture of a huge white robot with glowing eyes and a V shaped crest upon its helmet.
Jim Mickle, who has worked on Sweet Tooth, is directing the new movie. His history indicates that he is familiar with how to deal with stories that blend emotional character with huge action. The movie is being filmed at present in Queensland, although Netflix has not yet set an actual release date.
The participation of Sydney Sweeney has already raised the level of interest in the project. In the last few years, she has emerged as one of the most rapidly ascending stars in Hollywood, switching between drama, romance, horror, and starring in big-budget movies. Her presence in Gundam provides the movie with additional star power and may be able to bring viewers not already intoxicated with the anime series.
